Authored by Jody Morse in Dogs
Published on 08-15-2009
Welcoming a new puppy into the household can be a very fun and exciting experience. It is important to keep in mind that when you bring a puppy home, there are certain things that you will need to have ready for him. Some of these things are necessary, while others will make your puppy feel much more comfortable. All of these items are necessary when you make the decision to bring a dog into your home, however. Here are some of the things you need for a puppy.
Food and Water
The most important thing that you are going to need when you get a puppy is food and water. Remember that you are going to need to buy puppy chow, which is designed specifically to accommodate to the nutritional requirements of puppies. Many breeders will recommend you to mix in cottage cheese with the puppy’s food to encourage her to eat it. Also keep in mind that you are going to need to purchase dog food and water bowls so that the puppy will have something to eat out of.
Leash and Collar
All puppies are going to need a leash and collar. It is important to make sure that you find a collar which is the right size. If the collar is too lose for the puppy, he will be able to easily escape from it. The collar should also not be tight enough to choke the puppy and should made from a comfortable material. To choose a leash, it is important to decide whether or not you want to opt for a retractable one.
Warm Blankets and Toys
During the puppy’s first few nights at home, it is likely that you will want her to sleep in the kitchen or another enclosed location. In order to make the puppy feel right at home, you will want to provide her with warm blankets, however. Fleece material is a great option. The right blankets can really provide ultimate comfort to your puppy. Also keep in mind that young dogs are very playful so you will want to have a wide variety of toys available for your puppy to select from.
Pet Carrier
New puppies are most likely going to need to make a trip to the vet. The best thing that you can do to ensure that these trips are made slightly easier is purchase a good pet carrier. Keep in mind that you should try to choose a pet carrier which your dog will fit into once she has reached full size so that you do not need to purchase a second carrier in the future.
It can be a great feeling to bring a new puppy home for the first time. Unfortunately, many pet owners make the decision to adopt a new dog at the spur of the moment. They end up going home without having the essential items that new puppies require. If you get the things you need for a puppy beforehand, bringing her home is going to be less of a hassle for you.
